By Betsy Finklea
First Baptist Church of Lake View celebrated a very special occasion at this morning’s service—Rev. Lyn Anderson’s 90th birthday.
Shortly after the service began, Rev. Anderson’s birthday was recognized. Everyone sang “Happy Birthday,” a cake was brought out, and he was presented a gift. He was deeply moved by the celebration. “You have made such a difference in my life, in the life of my family, and in the life of my ministry,” Rev. Anderson said to the congregation. “Wherever I go I will always carry an appreciation for you and a love for you,” he said. He said he was a “better person” because of the giving people of this church. Rev. Anderson said, “you have given me some things that only God could give me through a loving congregation. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”
During the sermon, he spoke about Noah and the ark. He said the ark is a picture of God’s hope to mankind, and he replaced the ark with a church building. The olive branch carried by the dove is a symbol of the hope and future for all of us. The rainbow is God’s promise that a flood will not destroy the earth again.
He said the church started with Noah and the 8 people aboard the ark. He said Noah was faithful to God and did what he said. He said millions of people now know Christ because of Noach and those eight people. He said that we should never give up on filling the church. God is the God of restoration, and God will send an olive leaf.
We all need a signal or an olive leaf, he said. “If it matters to us, it matters to God.”
Rev. Anderson said God wants us to take an olive leaf to a hospital, someone who has lost a loved one, etc. He encouraged the congregation to take an olive leaf to someone who we are out of a relationship with. He said an olive leaf represents the hope of God.
He said Jesus is the resurrection for all of us, and out problems are not too big for God. Jesus is our hope for everything we need.
Rev. Anderson said he wants everyone to do what they normally do for Lent, but he also wants us to extend an olive leaf to someone and see that God can change a life.
After the sermon, the welcoming of new members, Daryl Jackson and Judy Coxe, and the closing of the service, the congregation enjoyed a delicious meal in the fellowship hall.
PHOTO GALLERY
PHOTOS BY BETSY FINKLEA/THE DILLON COUNTY NEWS, LLC
